Immigrant moms more prone to depression

Canada, 7th June: Local experts state that new immigrant moms and refugee women are found to be increasingly prone to post-partum 
depression as compared to other Canadians.

Newcomers in Canada suffering from such mental health issues may become alone and isolated, the health researchers maintain.

Among the major reasons behind increased risk of such mental health issues among new immigrant women in Canada include cultural differences and language barriers apart from social isolation faced in their new home, states a research fellow and a professor of nursing at Canada Research Institute for Social Policy, University of New Brunswick, Nicole Letourneau.

New immigrant moms seem to be the most vulnerable group in Canada, adds Letourneau.

The recent heartbreaking incident, in which a 35 year-old mom of two boys stabbed her sons and their aunt, has brought to the fore that this might be a case of PPD (post-partum depression).

Letourneau states that nearly one in seven moms are prone to post-partum depression. And the harrowing fact is that most often, depression either remains undiagnosed or unrecognized in some cultures. Moreover, many times, most women often feel inhibited to seek help for their depression.

Hence, there is an greater need for increased public education, better screening efforts and greater access to support to cut the risk of PPD for immigrant women in Canada. Also, there is a need for bringing a change in the attitudes of the people towards depression. 

Another expert, Kiran Pramesh, who is a family support worker and a community resource at Manitoba’s Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, reveals that a few moms suffering from PPD also are found to be having post-traumatic stress disorder elements due to their experiences war-ravaged African nations. 

So, newcomers or new immigrants in Canada need better counseling about PPD to convince them that its good to seek guidance while getting adjusted to new way of life in the foreign lands.

Winnipeg already has several services and programs located at short distances and working to help newcomers in Canada, said Pramesh adding there are several others in the pipeline to extend help for more new immigrants in Canada.